Aztec Mythology: The Gods and Myths of Ancient Mexico

By Sebastian Berg

The Aztec civilization of Central Mexico consisted of several communities with distinct cultures and languages. The Nahuatl-speaking tribes were the most popular and celebrated rituals based on their own version of myths and stories. While the Mesoamerican cultures shared many stories, rituals, and myths with the Aztecs, they were recognized as a separate community. The Aztecs were believed to come from the regions around Lake Texcoco and the Anahuac Valley. These regions collectively form the modern Mexico City we know today.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Creek Ridge Publishing
• Release date: Jun 4, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201748326

Book preview

Introduction

The distinctive set of customs possessed and portrayed by different tribes, cultural groups, and religious clans extract their essence from different versions of their mythology. The tools we use, the food we eat, the beliefs we hold on to, and the clothes we wear are all ingredients influenced by myths, legends, and folk tales that collectively define mythology. In a way, our mythologies have revolutionized the world we live in and continue to impact us to date. The impact made by certain mythologies is heavier than others. One such set of beliefs belonged to the Aztecs.

Aztec mythology contains one of the strongest and most impactful tales of the beginning of the world and the existence of gods. This mythology has heavily jolted the Aztecs into framing a fixed set of beliefs and following certain rituals. Some of the mythological implications also set them apart from other communities and provide a distinct identity. For instance, they conducted human sacrifices and built a city based on their myths.

The Aztec civilization of Central Mexico consisted of several communities with distinct cultures and languages. The Nahuatl-speaking tribes were the most popular and celebrated rituals based on their own version of myths and stories. While the Mesoamerican cultures shared many stories, rituals, and myths with the Aztecs, they were recognized as a separate community. The Aztecs were believed to come from the regions around Lake Texcoco and the Anahuac Valley. These regions collectively form the modern Mexico City we know today. Since various versions and tales surround the Aztecs, this civilization's provenance can be narrowed down to these regions.

The Aztecs governed these regions during the 15th, 16th, and 17th centuries, regions referred to as Central Mexico today. The word Aztec means one who belongs to or comes from Aztlán in the Nahuatl language. However, the tribe preferred to call themselves Tenochca, Mexica, or Tlatelolco. Azteca is, in fact, a modern term that was coined by scholars in the 18th and 19th centuries to refer to a group of people residing in the Mexica state. Since they shared the same language, customs, religion, and trade, they were collectively known as the Aztecs. They spoke the Nahuatl language, which still exists today in certain communities. In fact, people of these communities identify as modern-day Aztecs.

Aztec mythology raises multiple questions yet keeps a reader engrossed. Certain definitions and subjects are alarming and can stir up a myriad of emotions in a modern-day man. Some bloody rituals included sacrificing humans and animals to the gods, self-sacrificing by cutting body parts, and cannibalism. It is also believed that multiple slaves and their children were sold off with plots of land to the rich. Despite these adversities, the creation tale, creativity, and agricultural implications stemming from Aztec mythology are extremely impressive and carried forward.

The myths also cover the relationships between important gods, goddesses and mystical creatures. In fact, the idea of creation carried by Aztec mythology is quite tenacious and portrays the participation of all deities at every stage. Even though several versions of the creation myth exist, one can pick the nitty-gritty to paint a picture.

Furthermore, the Aztecs were an isolated group and survived without depending on the Asian and European cultures of that time. They grew exponentially and developed a massive community with millions of people. With time, they drew parallels between distinct domains and showed progress in the fields of agriculture, economy, transportation, arts, and architecture.

In this book, we will cover the distinct nuances of Aztec mythology, its deities, creatures, interesting folk tales, rituals, religious celebrations, and the beliefs held by the community. Every aspect of the Aztecs' livelihood was governed by their myths and beliefs, which is why it is necessary to dig deep and understand the crux of their version of mythology.

Read on to grasp the entirety of Aztec mythology and comprehend the